Interior - Windnoise Correction, Improved Diagnostics: Overview
NUMBER: 92-T-136CORP.REF.NO: 201008R
DATE: October 1992
SECTION: 10
SUBJECT:
WINDNOISE CORRECTION
-IMPROVED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE
MODELS/YEARS:
1992 EIGHTY EIGHT
1991-92 NINETY EIGHT
This bulletin is intended help diagnose and repair windnoise conditions in various areas of the 1992 Eighty Eights and 1991-92 Ninety Eights. After completing the general diagnosis section of this bulletin, the chart provided will direct the technician to the problem area. All charts are treated as add conditions to the Road Test and Diagnose Labor Operation.
The basic aerodynamic shape of the subject vehicles together with specific windnoise related changes (wrap-around windshield, flush side glass, quiet o/s mirror, etc.) have made this vehicle significantly quieter for windnoise than its predecessors. When problems related to parts fit or function do occur however, their impact will be much more noticeable against the quieter background noise level. This service bulletin is intended to properly diagnose the problem and remedy the situation in the most efficient manner possible.
Note:
The information is presented in a ranked order based on a combination of particular locations being sensitive to windnoise and/or the likelihood of occurrence at that location.
Diagnosis should not be limited to input from the customer due to the complexity of pinpointing the noise source. The preferred technique is a two-step approach of test driving the vehicle, followed-up with visual inspections of specific locations. The drive inspection should be used primarily to localize wind rushes to a general body position (i.e., front or rear, left side or right side) and to identify specific leak pathways. Once this information is obtained, a visual inspection can be used to pinpoint the problem source.
Following is the recommended method for test driving and inspecting the complaint vehicle. Note that this method requires two people (to properly check all locations); a stethoscope (Figure 1) with 48" of flexible hose attached; and a roll of 2" wide duct tape. The car should be evaluated at speeds of 50 mph or higher (observe local speed limits), using smooth, hard road surfaces and with outside wind conditions as calm as is feasibly possible. Note that under high, gusty wind conditions, the occupant's perception of windnoise will be adversely affected on all vehicles.
Note Concerning Flow Through Ventilation:
The air exiting the rear door lock pillar baffle can be felt coming out the gap between the door and the lock pillar. It is possible the air movement can also be heard. This system can move approximately 300 CFM, so the volume of air felt is considerable.